Help for Military Sexual Trauma

An interview with Dr. Alyson Zalta

Military Sexual Assault

Military sexual trauma (MST) is any sexual activity that happens against your will during your time in service, including rape, sexual assault and verbal and physical sexual harassment. Being sexually assaulted in the military is particularly devastating because so many of the rapes aren’t reported, and attackers often go unpunished.

This betrayal by the people you considered family can be crippling. You may be scared, angry, ashamed, isolated, defeated or jump. At Road Home no one fights the battle against MST alone. We can help you heal and cope.

Frequently Asked Questions About Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

Military sexual trauma (MST) is not a condition or a diagnosis. Rather, it is any violent or intimidating sexual assault that happens against your will during your time in service. The attack and the aftermath often leave you feeling scared, helpless and alone.

If you’ve been sexually assaulted in the military, you have likely suffered silently. At the center, you can begin to rebuild and move on.

Treatments for coping with MST can help you regain your sense of self and control over your life. Treatment for MST often focuses on learning how to cope with your memories, control difficult emotions and address the feelings of anger, betrayal and insecurity.

Attempting to bury what happened to you can lead to a host of problems that will continue to worsen. If you’ve experienced a sexual assault and don’t seek help, you are at risk for developing issues with the following: